I’ve done a number of funerals in my 45+ years as a pastor and no scene can be more morose, more forlorn, or more hopeless than walking away from a casket or cemetery and knowing the people have no hope. A Christian husband/wife, child, or relative who has buried someone who mocked their faith or simply refused to make a profession of faith. Hopeless. Alone. Devastated.

• A Christian young person ridiculed for their faith. Alone.
• A Christian office worker who, because of conviction, refuses to participate in office gossip, shenanigans, or sinful activity. Alone.
• A pastor who refuses to bow down to wealth or a culture of debauchery but stands for Truth. Alone.
• A person living in sin, slave to an addiction, is left by himself. Alone.

But not really alone. Or hopeless. The Father has promised we are never alone. Or hopeless. Or at our wit’s end. he has promised He is always there. He is there to comfort.  He is their to strengthen. He is there to reassure. He is there with open arms and unconditional love. As God’s child, I am/no one is ever alone. God reassured Isaac of that fact in Genesis 26:1-5.

“Father, thank you for being there. Thank you for not leaving me alone. Thank you for courage, reassurance and unconditional love. When I struggle, help me to remember You are my Rock and Shield.”